Making Summer Reading Fun And Exciting

Asking most kids to pick up a book during July or August is like asking them to clean their room or eat their Brussels sprouts. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to the quandary of summer reading lists: Stock them with titles that are fun and challenging and encourage kids to look beyond a book’s covers.

Well , where is exacty the problem?

“A Treasure’s Trove” (Treasure Trove, Inc.) by Michael Stadther is one such book to consider. A beautifully illustrated fairy tale suitable for children of all ages, it became a New York Times best-seller, captured the hearts and imaginations of children and families and, through clues hidden in its pages, inspired a nationwide treasure hunt. At the request of teachers and librarians, the author has read it to children at hundreds of schools throughout North America and at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

Fact is..

The story, which appeals to both boys and girls, takes place in the Great Forest and tells a sweet (and sometimes sad) tale of friendship and greed, good and dark fairies and how love can overcome fear. There is plenty of action and suspense, plus beautiful fairies and romance. The book is all about family values, love and cooperation, loyalty and friendship. It teaches children the importance of saving the forests, about working together to accomplish their goals and that they need not be afraid of the dark.apple_last

“This book’s value is truly in the words and excitement on the kids’ faces,” said Katie Mullins, a 3rd grade teacher at Degan Elementary School in Lewisville, Texas.

Now Available:

Free Teachers’ Guide & Books

Because children quickly and easily gravitate to the book’s characters and themes, teachers asked the author if he could provide additional “Treasure Trove” material for classroom use. In response, “A Treasure’s Trove Teachers’ Guide,” developed in conjunction with a panel of leading educational advisors in the U.S., is now available for download at www.atreasurestrove.com/schools.

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Intended as an enrichment tool, it is chock-full of puzzles and activities in such subject areas as reading comprehension, poetry, music composition, map reading and drawing, problem solving and critical thinking. The first 1,000 educators to register online for the new guide will receive a free copy of “A Treasure’s Trove,” “A Puzzle Book Companion” and the “Official Solution Book to A Treasure’s Trove.”

In September 2006, the book’s sequel, “Secrets of the Alchemist Dar,” will be released-this time accompanied by a worldwide treasure hunt. Once again, Stadther will visit schools to read the book to students in grades 3 and up. Teachers and principals interested in having the author visit their schools should sign up early by visiting www.atreasurestrove.com/schools.

“A Treasure’s Trove” is available in hard- and softcover at major bookstores and Amazon.com.

Use Old Crayons To Make Candles.

If you have children in your home, chances are you have an abundance of worn down crayons that don’t get used much anymore. Before throwing them out and buying new ones, consider using them to make candles. This can be a great way to turn them into something new and bright again. Most children will love the idea of creating candles with you and enjoy knowing their old crayons helped create them. Making candles out of crayons can also be a great gift giving idea.

Before you get started, discuss safety with your children. Since the crayons will have to be melted at a very high heat, they will not be able to participate in that portion of the candle making process. Assure them that there are many other aspects of the candle making that they can be a part of. To start, gather your supplies. In addition to the crayons, you will need a wax cartoon. This can be from milk, fabric softener, or orange juice. You will also need paraffin wax, two full ice cube trays, a double boiler, and white packing string. If you don’t want to use your double boiler an old coffee can and a saucepan will work just as well.

Trim the top off of the wax carton, leaving it approximately six inches high. You will want to cut the string at least 8 inches long. You will later cut the wick to fit the holder. To ensure a wick that burns easier take three pieces and bread them together. Use smaller pieces of string to tie the ends together. The holders for your candles can be anything you desire as long as they are non-flammable. Pretty vases, glasses, and jars work nicely.

Melt about three pounds of paraffin wax in the double boiler or coffee can. To help it melt faster, cut it into small chunks. The melting process with take about fifteen to twenty minutes. While the wax is melting, peel the papers off of the old crayons. You and your children can choose to separate the colors by lights and darks to have a mix that melds well or you can mix it all together and see what the color ends up being.

For best results, only add the crayons to the wax after it has completely melted. After the crayons and wax have both melted together, immediately remove the mixture from the stove and pour into your candle holders. If you would like to make scented candles try adding a splash of cinnamon or vanilla to your hot wax mixture.

It is important that the candles by left alone to completely harden. Make sure you have an area this can be done without disruption. It is also important to make sure small children can’t reach them, as out of curiosity they may want to check on their candles. The wax will stay hot for several hours and can scold the skin.

Making candles out of old crayons is a great way to spend the afternoon creating a neat project with your children. This process can also be done at schools and childcare centers with old crayons as presents for parents. Simply allow each child to decorate the outside of their candle holder while adults complete the rest of the process.